Glen Eira City Council is urging residents to check their heating units to ensure they are adequate and safe to use this winter.

Energy Safe Victoria recommends servicing all gas heaters a minimum of every two years to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty or underserviced units. This applies to every type of gas heater, including wall units, central heating units, and space heaters — whether they are old or new appliances.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Tony Athanasopoulos said carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in any home or building with gas heating appliances.

"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer — you can’t see it, you can’t smell it and you can’t taste it," he said.

"Warning signs such as tiredness, nausea or headaches may be a hint that there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air leaking from your heater."

Cr Athanasopoulos said when your heater is not being used, it is common for dust to build up and block filters.

"If ducts, filters and fans are not cleaned regularly, this can aid the rapid spread of a fire within the house or building or pollute the area with dangerous gases," he said.

"To avoid this, it is imperative that the entire system, including ducts, filters and fans are thoroughly cleaned prior to using your heater."

For further information, visit www.esv.vic.gov.au